President John Dramani Mahama has launched a 90-day operation to evacuate an estimated one million tonnes of accumulated waste from Agbogbloshie in Accra, in a major intervention to tackle a longstanding sanitation and public health crisis.
The estimate, based on a drone-assisted artificial intelligence assessment, captures the scale of waste that has accumulated at the site over the years. The area has long been associated with open dumping and burning, creating serious environmental and health concerns for residents, traders and workers in Agbogbloshie and neighbouring communities.
Research has also documented contamination from potentially toxic metals and other pollutants around the former e-waste recycling site, with studies identifying potential human health and ecological risks associated with exposure.
Launching the evacuation on Friday, September 18, President Mahama said the waste would be transported to the Adepa Engineered Landfill Site near Nsawam in the Eastern Region for controlled disposal, compaction and covering under environmental safeguards.
The operation is being led by the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs in collaboration with the Ghana Armed Forces and the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP).
DRIP equipment, including tipper trucks, excavators, bulldozers and wheel loaders, will be deployed, while the Ghana Armed Forces, particularly the 48 Engineers Regiment, will provide operational and engineering support. Funding is being provided by the Ministry of Finance, with additional support from the District Assemblies Common Fund.
President Mahama said clearing Agbogbloshie was not only about removing the waste but also reclaiming the land for productive use.
He said the cleared site would form part of the proposed Agbogbloshie Urban Land Renewal Project, including an industrial park and a major textile factory intended to create jobs for young people.
The President also directed that the site must not become a dumping ground again, stressing the need for sustained enforcement and responsible waste management after the evacuation.
He said the major haulage of waste would take place at night to minimise disruption, with limited evacuation continuing during the day. Authorities are also expected to ensure the safety of residents, road users and communities along the haulage route.
President Mahama appealed to residents of Old Fadama and Agbogbloshie to cooperate with the military, DRIP operators and assembly teams during the 90-day exercise.
The Agbogbloshie intervention forms part of the government’s broader national waste management efforts aimed at addressing major sanitation challenges across the country.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
